May 1992, DPRK accepts first of six irregular inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
February 1993, last of six irregular IAEA inspections accepted by DPRK
October 1994, U.S., DPRK agree to freeze nuclear program in exchange for light-water reactors and fuel oil to compensate for loss of electric power
October 2002, U.S. says DPRK admits to uranium enrichment program; Pyongyang claims right to develop weapons
December 2002, U.S. ends fuel oil deliveries to DPRK; Pyongyang removes IAEA monitors and restarts nuclear energy program
January 2003, DPRK announces withdrawal from Non-Proliferation Treaty while claiming it had no intention to develop nuclear weapons
April 2003, DPRK and United States agree to three-way talks with China
August 2003, first round of six-party talks held in Beijing
February 2004, second round of six-party talks
June 2004, third round of the six-party talks
September 2005, second phase of the fourth round of six-party talks sets goal for verifiable denuclearization of Korean Peninsula in peaceful manner
October 2006, DPRK conducts first underground nuclear test
February 2007, third phase of the fifth round of six-party talks agrees on first step toward denuclearization
July 2007, DPRK closes and seals nuclear facilities in Yongbyon
September 2007, in second phase of the sixth round, parties reaffirm commitment to improving bilateral relations and establishing diplomatic relations
November 2007, DPRK begins to disable three nuclear facilities in Yongbyon
June 2008, DPRK destroys the cooling tower at Yongbyon
April 2009, DPRK carries out rocket launch in contravention of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718 and withdraws from talks
May 2009, DPRK conducts second underground nuclear test and short-range missile launch
December 2011, Supreme Leader of DPRK Kim Jong Il dies. His son, Kim Jong Un, assumes power
April 2012, DPRK satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 fails to enter orbit; U.S., Japan, ROK condemn the move, but DPRK insists launch is for peaceful purposes
December 2012, Unha-3 carries second Kwangmyongsong-3 to orbit, seen by West as disguised test of long-range ballistic missiles
February 2013, DPRK carries out third nuclear test
(Source: Xinhua News Agency) |